Croatia vs Norway
Women Round 3
Everyone knows the great Champions playing in the Women's series.
They will take centre stage in due course, but to begin with let's
take a look at two of the less well know sides.
Having handed over the microphone to EOK it was time to resume
operations on the writing front. Conditions in the playing rooms
are, well shall we say, hot (I was going to write sultry, but it
was suggested no one would understand what it meant) so I sat as
close as possible to one of the water coolers.
The first thing I noticed was the very classy convention
cards that were in use - maybe we should have contests for
the best cards and the best-dressed teams.
The second thing was that North was a player I recognised
from previous Championships, Nikica Sver, who has previously
represented her country in the Open series. Her father is
here representing Croatia in the Seniors. Her mother plays
as well, but surprisingly she was not taught to play by her
parents.
The action started on the very first deal:
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SVER Nikica, Croatia
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Board 1. Dealer North. None Vul.
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ª 7
© A K 10 8 6 3
¨ A Q 10 2
§ 10 6 |
ª K Q 6
© Q 5
¨ 9 7 6 4 3
§ J 9 2 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª A J 10 9 5 4 2
© 9 7 4
¨ 8
§ K 5 |
|
ª 8 3
© J 2
¨ K J 5
§ A Q 8 7 4 3 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
|
1© |
1ª |
2§ |
2ª |
3¨ |
4ª |
Dble |
All Pass |
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East's overcall was very conservative, but it still led to the
excellent save. As you can see on this layout declarer will make
twelve tricks in hearts, but it was hardly obvious for either North
or South to bid on. Declarer was able to ruff a heart in dummy for
two down, -300.
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
|
1© |
3ª |
4§ |
4ª |
Pass |
Pass |
Dble |
All Pass |
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The more aggressive course of action chosen by East led to a similar
outcome, so it was 0-0 after one deal.
Board 2. Dealer East. N/S Vul.
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ª J 7
© 10
¨ J 10 3
§ A K 9 8 5 4 2 |
ª K 4
© K J 8 3
¨ A K Q 7 2
§ Q 3 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª 8 6 3 2
© Q 7 6 5 2
¨ 6
§ J 10 6 |
|
ª A Q 10 9 5
© A 9 4
¨ 9 8 5 4
§ 7 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
|
|
Pass |
1ª |
Dble |
2§ |
2© |
Pass |
4© |
All Pass |
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East's decision to make a free bid saw her side get too high and
it was easy enough for the defenders to take their four tricks,
+50.
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
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|
Pass |
2¨* |
Dble |
2© |
All Pass |
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Two Diamonds was a multi and when West doubled North bid Two Hearts,
presumably asking partner to bid her major (one method is to pass
to show diamonds, and redouble to ask partner to bid) but their
was a major misunderstanding and North was left to stew.
A trick disappeared in the play and declarer finished five down,
-500 and the first big swing to Croatia, ahead 11-0.
Board 4. Dealer West. All Vul.
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ª K 9 6
© 10 7 5 4 2
¨ Q J 8 5
§ 2 |
ª J 10 7
© J
¨ A K 7 6 3 2
§ 10 9 4 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª A Q 2
© A 9 8
¨ 9
§ A K J 8 6 3 |
|
ª 8 5 4 3
© K Q 6 3
¨ 10 4
§ Q 7 5 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
3¨ |
Pass |
3NT |
All Pass |
South led the right suit, hearts, but alas she selected the three
and declarer must have been elated to win the trick with dummy's
jack. She gave up a trick to the queen of clubs and in desperation
South switched to a spade. Twelve tricks, +690.
However, the other table came to the rescue:
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
Pass |
Pass |
1§* |
Pass |
1ª* |
Pass |
2§ |
Pass |
2¨ |
Pass |
3§ |
Pass |
4§ |
Pass |
4©* |
Pass |
5¨* |
Pass |
6§ |
All Pass |
One Club was strong and the response promised three controls. East
had lose a trump trick, but the spade finesse was right, so she
was +1370 and Croatia had collected another 12 IMPs.
(As an aside, P.O.Sundelin told me he had foolishly bid to Seven
Clubs. Particularly as the contract in the other room was Three
Diamonds!)
Board 10. Dealer East. All Vul.
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ª K 9 8
© K 9 4
¨ 9 8 7 2
§ K 6 3 |
ª Q J 7
© 7 2
¨ A K 10 6 5
§ Q 4 2 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª 6 5 4
© J 10 6 5 3
¨ Q 4 3
§ 8 7 |
|
ª A 10 3 2
© A Q 8
¨ J
§ A J 10 9 5 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
|
|
Pass |
1¨* |
Pass |
1NT |
Pass |
2NT |
Pass |
3NT |
Pass |
Pass |
Dble |
All Pass |
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If East leads a heart, declarer might well make 3NT, placing the
club length with West. However, Remen saved her side with her lead
directing double. The defence started with five diamond tricks.
West elected to exit with the queen of spades and declarer won in
dummy, cashed three hearts and the ace of clubs and then ran the
ten of spades for one down, -200.
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
|
|
Pass |
1§ |
1¨ |
1NT |
Pass |
2NT |
All Pass |
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West's overcall left North awkwardly placed. Pretending to have
a diamond stopper was the alternative to double, and when South
raised North did well to pass, as the defenders again took the first
five diamond tricks. Declarer discarded a heart from her hand and
two spades and two clubs from dummy. West exited with a heart, but
declarer took three rounds of the suit, squeezing West in the black
suits, +120 and a useful pick up for Norway.
Board 11. Dealer South. None Vul.
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ª Q 9 8
© K 5 2
¨ K J 10 4
§ 6 5 2 |
ª 6 4
© A 10 9 8
¨ A Q 9 5 2
§ J 8 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª J 3
© Q 7 6 4
¨ 7
§ K Q 9 7 4 3 |
|
ª A K 10 7 5 2
© J 3
¨ 8 6 3
§ A 10 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
|
|
|
1ª |
Pass |
2ª |
Pass |
Pass |
Dble |
Pass |
3© |
3ª |
Pass |
Pass |
4§ |
Pass |
4© |
Dble |
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Meckwell-s law says that South should close her eyes and
bid Four Spades when her six card suit is raised. It's a poor
contract to be sure, and it can be beaten if the defenders
find their diamond ruffs but they won't.
East adopted a subtle approach, anticipating that the opponents
would go on to Three Spades and got both her suits in. However,
Four Hearts was too high and with such good defensive cards
North doubled. Declarer had to lose four tricks, -100.
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PILIPOVIC Marina, Croatia
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Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
|
|
|
1ª |
Dble |
2§* |
2© |
2ª |
3© |
3ª |
4© |
4ª |
All Pass |
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West's aggressive double meant everyone was quickly into the auction.
West led the ace of hearts and a second heart, so declarer won,
drew trumps and took the diamond finesse. Ten tricks and +450 for
8 Norwegian IMPS.
Board 12. Dealer West. N/S Vul.
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ª K 8 2
© 9
¨ K 10 4
§ A 10 7 5 4 2 |
ª J 6 5 3
© Q J 7 3 2
¨ A J 8
§ 6 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª 10 9 4
© A K 5
¨ Q 7 6 2
§ J 9 3 |
|
ª A Q 7
© 10 8 6 4
¨ 9 5 3
§ K Q 8 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
All Pass |
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I was considering writing a couple of pages about this auction
but fortunately Tacchi suggested going for a drink.
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
Pass |
Pass |
1NT |
Pass |
2¨* |
Pass |
2© |
Pass |
Pass |
3§ |
3© |
3NT |
Dble |
All Pass |
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East opening bid promised 11-13, so it was not much of a stretch.
North did well to protect, but then things got out of hand, South's
final bid having little merit.
The defenders stated with five rounds of hearts and declarer had
to make four discards from dummy. She parted with two spades and
two clubs and West could delay taking the ace of diamonds that meant
two down and +500 for another big swing to Croatia.
Board 13. Dealer North. All Vul.
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ª K J 10 9 7 6 3
© A
¨ J
§ A J 9 5 |
ª 5 2
© K 7 4
¨ A 10 9 6
§ K 10 7 2 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª 8
© Q J 10 8 5 2
¨ K Q 5
§ 6 4 3 |
|
ª A Q 4
© 9 6 3
¨ 8 7 4 3 2
§ Q 8 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
|
1ª |
Pass |
2ª |
Pass |
4¨* |
Pass |
5ª |
Pass |
6ª |
All Pass |
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East led a heart and declarer won, crossed to a spade and played
the queen of clubs. West covered with the king and declarer was
able to take the ace and jack and ruff her club losers for a not
too shabby +1430.
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
|
1ª |
2© |
2ª |
3© |
4ª |
All Pass |
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This time declarer did not bother with the club finesse, so +650
and more points for Croatia. However, Norway were picking up points
here and there and they did rather better than that on our next
deal:
Board 15. Dealer South. N/S Vul.
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ª K 9 6
© A J
¨ J 8 4
§ K 8 7 6 3 |
ª J 10 7 4
© 10 9 6 5 3
¨ A 10
§ J 5 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª 8 3 2
© K 8 7 4
¨ K Q 9 6 3
§ A |
|
ª A Q 5
© Q 2
¨ 7 5 2
§ Q 10 9 4 2 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
|
|
|
Pass |
Pass |
1¨* |
Pass |
2NT |
All Pass |
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South's choice of bid led to the club fit being missed.
West led the ten of hearts and declarer tried the jack. East took
the king and switched to the king of diamonds. West overtook and
played the ten of diamonds. When that held she knocked out the ace
of hearts. Declarer tired to sneak a club trick, so she was held
to three tricks, -500.
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
|
|
|
Pass |
Pass |
1§ |
1¨ |
2¨* |
Pass |
3§ |
All Pass |
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East led the king of diamonds and West overtook and returned the
ten. North did not cover, but East overtook and played a third diamond.
West strangely discarded a heart, so eight tricks had turned into
nine, +110 and 12 IMPs for Norway.
Board 16. Dealer West. E/W Vul.
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ª A 9 8 5 3
© 7
¨ 6 3
§ A K 8 6 2 |
ª Q 6 2
© A Q 6 2
¨ A J 10 9
§ 10 5 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª K J 10 7 4
© 5
¨ K 8 5 4 2
§ 4 3 |
|
ª -
© K J 10 9 8 4 3
¨ Q 7
§ Q J 9 7 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
1¨ |
1ª |
All Pass |
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I confess I would not be able to bring myself to pass with the
South hand
East led the two of diamonds and the defenders took two tricks in
that suit and played a third round, forcing declarer to ruff. She
tried a heart to the jack but West won and forced declarer again.
She ruffed, crossed to a club and tried to ruff a heart. East overuffed
and declarer finished two down, -100.
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
1¨ |
1ª |
Pass |
2© |
Pass |
2ª |
Dble |
3© |
Dble |
4§ |
Pass |
Pass |
Dble |
All Pass |
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As you can see, Three Hearts is unbeatable and West was perhaps
unwise to double. However, North decided to run and struck gold.
When West, doubtless thinking her opponents were now overboard,
double again, she presented Norway with +510 and another 12 IMPs.
Board 20. Dealer West. All Vul.
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ª Q 9 6
© 5 4 3
¨ 10 7 4
§ K 10 6 2 |
ª A K 5 2
© A K 9
¨ K 9
§ A J 5 4 |
![Bridge deal](../../../graphics/Hand/board3.gif) |
ª 10 8 4 3
© Q 10
¨ A J 8 3 2
§ Q 8 |
|
ª J 7
© J 8 7 6 2
¨ Q 6 5
§ 9 7 3 |
Open Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Remen |
Sver |
Thoresen |
Pilipovic |
2§* |
Pass |
2¨* |
Pass |
2NT |
Pass |
3§* |
Pass |
3¨* |
Pass |
3©* |
Pass |
3ª |
Pass |
4¨ |
Pass |
4NT* |
Pass |
5¨* |
Pass |
5©* |
Pass |
6NT |
All Pass |
Something went wrong here as the puppet Stayman auction had located
the spade fit and Six Spades is perhaps a better slam that 6NT.
North knew that East had the ace of diamonds and hoping to give
nothing away she selected the seven of diamonds. That was enough
to give the contract as now declarer had five diamond tricks and
could afford to lose a club. +1440.
Closed Room |
West |
North |
East |
South |
Jurisic |
Breivik |
Brkljacic |
Harding |
1§* |
Pass |
1© |
Pass |
2NT |
Pass |
3§ |
Pass |
3ª |
Pass |
4ª |
All Pass |
Declarer took twelve tricks for +680 but the 13 IMP swing here
saw Norway turn the match around right at the end to win a high
scoring encounter 61-52 IMPs or 17-13 VP.
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